Testimonials
This page of Go Running Mom is dedicated to ALL running moms!
In thinking about why I run, how I got started running and how my running has evolved I’ve decided to write a ”Running Testimony” so to speak. Realizing too, that there are many other women that I know: relatives, friends, neighbors , & even “regulars” at the gym, who inspire me daily and that they surely have passionate stories to tell about how running has become a part of who they are. So one by one, I will invite these running moms to share with us what it is that motivates them and propels each one of them to go that extra mile.
I look forward to hearing from other running moms about how they got started, how they find time to fit running into a busy family life, what some of the greatest challenges and benefits of their running years are, and what goals they are currently working toward!
By sharing these testimonies, we can share our passion for running and empower more moms to get out and go running!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Molly!! Well it’s finally warm enough to strap on the ‘ol shoes and start training! I am a very novice runner only doing one small race a year but I do love to run! I am so excited about your website!!! I look forward to reading it!!! God bless!!!
I am really enjoying reading your blog! I’m a running mom as well…4 year old daughter and 2 year old son…and I love that they see me being healthy and fit. I ran in high school (some 15 years ago) and hadn’t since. Then last May, my husband, kids and I participated in a Run for the Son fun run at our church. We couldn’t make the whole distance, and that was my catalyst. Starting that week, I began getting up at 5 in the morning to walk/run the lap around the school across the street (3/4 of a mile lap). I walked the short sides and jogged the long. Then, I started increasing my laps because at first, I could only do 1. I have now completed 3 5K’s with a 4th this weekend, including 1 on my 30th birthday. The one this weekend is actually one my mom wanted to run…for her 50th birthday. She just started running this past fall!
My goals are to get my 5K time down under 30 minutes…ideally 8 minute miles, but that’s a long ways off. I’d like to complete a half-marathon before fall.
I love to run, especially outside. The feeling I have when I’m done makes me better at all I am…a mom, a teacher, a wife, a friend.
Christy – Thank you for your positive feedback and for sharing your running testimony! BELIEVE in yourself and believe me, your goal of running a 5K in under 30 min./ 8 min. miles is well within reach! Best of luck for your upcoming race this weekend and celebrate the opportunity of being able to run with your mom! The two of you together are setting a mulit-generational example of healthy living for your children – Way to Go!
If you are open to some additional encouragement that will help you to increase your strength and endurance, start adding some core strength training to your routine. Core muscles include: abdominal muscles, obliques, lower back, pelvic, and glutes just to start. Balance training will help stabilize your stride as well. Try either taking a class or doing DVD’s at home or create your own workout with various routines that you can find in back issues of Runner’s World magazine (they can be checked out at your local library). I have been doing a core class 1-2 times a week for about 3 months and have added some core exercises when I have time at home and I can definitely tell the difference in my overall increased strength! If you have questions about what kind of basic moves to start with, feel free to email me directly: molly@gorunningmom.com
Thanks again for following Go Running Mom!
Congratulations on being a Running Mom who knows first hand how the benefits carry over into your life and your family’s lifestyle!
Amy – YES! Enjoy the sunshine and melting snow asyou hit the pavement! It’s great to hear from you and to hear that you are running! If you are looking for some beautiful, inspirational routes, head into S. Falls as that city has done an amazing job of building and maintaining pedestrian/bike trails – as I am sure you know – would make some great weekend training runs!
Thanks so much for finding and following Go Running Mom!
Congrats on finding and making time to be a Running Mom yourself!
Hey Molly!!
I found where to write about running.
Why do I run? Hmmmm-if you would have asked me that when I was in grade school,I would have said–”cuz my younger brother chased me with chickens and I was scared of them!! I could always outrun him–no matter the surface,shoes–sheer terror propelled me.!! Who knows,had there been a cross country team oh so many yrs ago,I might have joined.
I really never thought about running much thru my adult years–walked,joined a gym but running?
But in the summer of 2006,walking along the nearby trail at our house with my adult children and at times running briefly,my daughter Pam said, “mom,you should run the 5k in KC when I run the half in KC in OCtober. Ha! me-a 5 K? I couldn’t run a mile without stopping alot!! But Pam is very persuasive,makes you believe in yourself,and next thing I knew,I was running-a block,2,6-the first time I made it to the mile marker without stopping I thought,okay,so maybe I could run a 5 k!
And on race day,I was nervous,cuz by that point,I hadn’t run 3 miles without several stops-but getting caught up with other runners,the people who cheer you on,I did it!! and enjoyed it!! The next spring Pam and I ran a mother’s day 5 k together-faster time than my first–it helps loads when someone is right there—encouraging you all the way. Beware those you convince you to run 5 k’s-before I knew it,well,actually 2 yrs later,Pam said “let’s run the Omaha half marathon together Mom!!” I’ll run it with you-at your pace!!” How could I say no? And I did it–half of it quite hilly,but with a very encouraging coach at my side-plus my dear husband Bob at various points–I completed it!! No records broken–but what a great feeling.
I did the Lincoln half marathons in 2009,and 2010-alone-but was fortunate to train with a co-worker on long runs.
Running is a very spiritual time for me–so close to nature on the trail that takes me out of the city a mere 2 blocks from home. I so often think of my Dad—when we’d walk home from school(on infrequent occassions)-he would say,run some of the way!! Run between 2 telephone poles,then walk,then run—-and somedays,when it’s just not in the legs,I imagine that distance-and run/walk.
So,I guess I run because of family-in one way shape or form,they’ve encouraged me,inspired me,motivated me–and I am grateful!!
Love your blog. Just signed up to follow you. Would love for you to check out mine.